Finding the right bra for developing breasts

Developing breasts need to be cared for in a different way, and we need to articulate to girls the relevant information to guide their shopping/decision making so they can make the right choice.

It’s great to explain the different styles of bras to girls (compression, encapsulation, combination), but most importantly girls need to learn the key features their bra should have, that will help them as they shop.

In teens, one of the biggest barriers to girls doing sport in a sports bra is having access to changing facilities where they feel comfortable putting it on. If changing into a sports bra is a challenge, then it’s critical to think about comfort too, so that active girls can put on the right kind of breast support in the morning, and wear it all day. This is where adjustability and fabric is really important. The danger though is that by opting for comfort, girls end up in something that is offering very little support. There’s got to be a compromise if changing isn’t an option, so thinking about wearability and adjustability is key.

But first, lets explain something important…

Bounce reduction – what does this really mean?

Percentage bounce reduction is used as a metric to test the performance of sports bras but isn’t the only consideration. There is a huge range of % movement reduction across bras that are being sold as “sports bras” on the market today, ranging from 36%-74% which is massive. So be careful with marketing around “bounce reducing”, because it doesn’t mean a great deal.

There is no regulation on this in the marketplace. So don’t be fooled by words like “high impact” as this doesn’t translate to a certain % reduction. Understanding design features, fabrics and fit is really important.

Things to look out for as you shop sports bras for developing breasts

Before our list of things to think about, here’s our first-sports-bra picks.
Please note – no one gets any commission or revenue if you buy through these links. We genuinely think these are the best of what’s out there.
In most cases we link you straight to the manufacturer but please do your own research, particularly when it comes to price!

Bounce bra
The Limitless Bra
Sportjock action sports bra
Nike Dri Fit Swoosh Luxe

Fabric

The fabric shouldn’t have lots of stretch in it. If it does then it won’t offer good breast support as you move. T-shirt style (cotton-rich) fabrics, for example, are a poor choice as they stretch too much and offer little-to-no support. Also, avoid straightforward stretchy crop tops as there’s nothing technical or thoughtful about these products and they provide virtually zero in the support department. Standard polyester, too, is best avoided.

Instead, look for polyamide/ nylon fabrics as they’re very strong with good compression, and usually have a soft skin-friendly feel. Elastane/ lycra is also a good and stretchy fabric that offers compression, strength and the right level of elasticity.

Underbands

The underband actually provides most of the breast support in a bra so it needs to fit really well, and be strong enough for the job. But strong elastic does not mean tight elastic.

If you stretch the underband when you’re not wearing the bra you’ll get an idea of the strength of the elastic used. It shouldn’t be too stretchy.

An adjustable underband is even better. Whether it uses clasps, Velcro or hooks, the ability to tighten and loosen the underband means it can be adjusted to a lesser tension for sitting in class, say, and then tightened up for netball later on.

Straps

Always try to find straps that can be adjusted. As girls grow their chest measurements will change but cup size and body size don’t grow in unison. Having great adjustability means responding to changes in developing breasts quickly and effectively.

Think long term

If your sports bra has a clasp at the back of the underband (most bras have three hooks), Make sure at first your bra is snug even on the loosest hook, since this means it will fit better for longer, because you’ll be able to switch to the other hooks as time goes on and the band stretches due to washing, wear and tear. Research shows that wearing and washing a sports bra 25 times can reduce its breast support by 30%, so give yourself some room to keep it fitting well.

All-day-wear?

If changing into a sports bra is a challenge then think about a bra that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. Consider fabric and fit. Encapsulation is a great style for bigger breasted girl but look out for stitching on the inside of the cups that have more detail to them, it can sometimes be rough and therefore itchy if worn for a long period of time or cause friction during movement. Developing breasts are often more sensitive so this will be more problematic on younger girls. Also consider colour – will it show through a school shirt, for example.

So if it digs in, or doesn’t look right, or it’s not the right colour, then don’t settle. Find one that can tick the all-day-long boxes; that’s comfortable, adjustable and right for the job.